Method of preparing a product composition comprising a discrete particle and an aqueous base composition

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a method of preparing a product composition comprising steps of: Preparing a mixture composition comprising a surfactant and a high melting point fatty compound; Separately preparing an aqueous base composition comprising an aqueous carrier and water soluble polymer, wherein the base composition is substantially free of a detersive surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, and combinations thereof; Mixing the mixture composition and the aqueous base composition to form a discrete particle of the mixture composition dispersed in the aqueous base composition. Alternatively, the method comprises steps of preparing a discrete particle of the mixture composition; and mixing it with the aqueous composition. The methods of the present invention provide a product composition with at least one the followings: more flexibility in the product composition rheology; improved stability in the product composition; improved deposition of benefit agents when the base composition further comprises such benefit agents; and improved visual/aesthetic appearance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of preparing a productcomposition comprising steps of: Preparing a mixture compositioncomprising a surfactant and a high melting point fatty compound;Separately preparing an aqueous base composition comprising an aqueouscarrier and a water soluble polymer, wherein the base composition issubstantially free of a detersive surfactant selected from anionicsurfactants, zwitterionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, andcombinations thereof; Mixing the mixture composition and the aqueousbase composition to form a discrete particle of the mixture compositiondispersed in the aqueous base composition. Alternatively, the methodcomprises steps of preparing a discrete particle of the mixturecomposition; and mixing it with the aqueous composition. The methods ofthe present invention provide a product composition with at least onethe followings: more flexibility in the product composition rheology;improved stability in the product composition; improved deposition ofbenefit agents when the base composition further comprises such benefitagents; and improved visual/aesthetic appearance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of approaches have been developed to condition the hair. Acommon method of providing conditioning benefit is through the use ofconditioning agents such as cationic surfactants and polymers, highmelting point fatty compounds, low melting point oils, siliconecompounds, and mixtures thereof. Most of these conditioning agents areknown to provide various conditioning benefits.

For example, United States Patent Application Publication No.2003/0103923 from SAN-EI KAGAKU relates to a composition containing analcohol, the composition being for blending in a hair treatment agent,and hair conditioners prepared from the hair treatment agents. SAN-EIpublication discloses a variety of such compositions for blending inhair treatment agents, including compositions containing fatty alcoholsand cationic surfactants, for example, in Examples 100-110. The SAN-EIpublication also discloses hair conditioners by using such compositionsfor blending, for example, in Example 112-118.

In Examples 112-117 of the SAN-EI publication, the compositions forblending (Examples 102, 103, 104 and 106) are heated up to 80° C. ormore, then mixed with mainly water to make hair conditioners. Thecompositions for blending (Examples 102, 103, 104 and 106) used thereincontain higher percentages of liquid material (for example, 27%propylene glycol in Example 102, 47% of liquid petrolatum in Example103, 43% of glycerin and 18% of liquid petrolatum in Example 104, and28% of glycerin in Example 106) together with fatty alcohols andcationic surfactants.

In Example 118 of the SAN-EI publication, a composition for blending(Example 111) is added to an emulsion cooled down below 40° C., whereinthe emulsion is of water and an additive composition containing acationic surfactant and a fatty alcohol, and further mixed with water tomake hair conditioner. The composition for blending (Example 111)contains ethanol, cationic surfactant, and more than 80% of water, andno fatty alcohols.

SAN-EI publication also discloses preparation of hair conditioners inExamples 150-156. In Example 150-154, compositions for blending(Examples 123, 126, 127, 130, 133, and 134) are heated to above 80° C.,and added to water which is also heated to above 80° C., and emulsifiedand cooled to make hair conditioners. The compositions for blending(Examples 123, 126, 127, 130, 133, and 134) contain cationic surfactantsand fatty alcohols, and also 15-20% of liquid oils (in Examples 123, 130and 133) or 6-8% of polyoxyethylene esters (in Examples 126, 127 and134).

Another example can be United States Patent Application Publication No.2003/223952 from P&G relating to a process for preparing cleansingcomposition comprising (a) combining a fatty alcohol and a surfactant ina premix at a temperature sufficient to allow partitioning of thesurfactant into the fatty alcohol, (b) cooling the mixture below thechain melt temperature of the premix to form a gel network, (c) addingthe gel network to a detersive surfactant and an aqueous carrier to forma cleansing composition. The P&G publication discloses Examples inparagraphs M1861401901, using such gel network containing fatty alcoholand cationic surfactant.

Also, United States Patent Application Publication No. 2016/143827 fromKao discloses a composition that is solid at room temperature andwherein the water content is 10 wt % or less, and a hair conditionercomposition prepared by dispersing the solid composition in water atmoderate temperatures. European Patent Application Publication No.2394632 from Shiseido discloses a hair conditioner composition with anextremely low water content, and from which a hair conditionercomposition can easily be manufactured simply by diluting with water.However, there remains a need for conditioning compositions to provideat least one of the followings:

More flexibility in product composition rheology especially storagemodulus (G′), preferably even when using the same amounts of activessuch as surfactants and high melting point fatty compounds. Productcompositions having different rheology especially storage modulus (G′)are believed to provide different moundness, and product compositionhaving a higher moundness tends to provide rich conditioningperception/feeling and also tends to be easy to apply to hair and/oreasy to hold on palm.

Improved stability of aqueous base compositions and productcompositions, especially when using smaller amounts of actives such assurfactants and high melting point fatty compounds in aqueous basecompositions.

-   -   Improved deposition of benefit agents when containing benefit        agents in the composition;    -   Improved stability when containing incompatible components.    -   Improved visual/aesthetic appearance.

None of the existing art provides all of the advantages and benefits ofthe present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method of preparing a productcomposition comprising steps of:

Preparing a mixture composition comprising a surfactant and a highmelting point fatty compound; Separately preparing an aqueous basecomposition comprising an aqueous carrier and a water soluble polymer,wherein the base composition is substantially free of a detersivesurfactant selected from anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactant,amphoteric surfactant, and combinations thereof;

Mixing the mixture composition and the aqueous base composition, to forma discrete particle of the mixture composition dispersed in the aqueousbase composition.

The present invention is also directed to a method of preparing aproduct composition comprising steps of: Preparing a discrete particleof a mixture composition comprising a surfactant and a high meltingpoint fatty compound; Separately preparing an aqueous base compositioncomprising an aqueous carrier and a water soluble polymer, wherein thebase composition is substantially free of a detersive surfactantselected from anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactant, amphotericsurfactant, and combinations thereof;

Mixing the discrete particle and the aqueous base composition, todisperse the discrete particle in the aqueous base composition.

The methods of the present invention provide a product composition withat least one the followings: more flexibility in the product compositionrheology; improved stability in the product composition; improveddeposition of benefit agents when the base composition further comprisessuch benefit agents; and improved visual/aesthetic appearance.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood from a reading of the followingdescription, and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the presentinvention will be better understood from the following description.

Herein, “comprising” means that other steps and other ingredients whichdo not affect the end result can be added. This term encompasses theterms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight of thecompositions of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. Allsuch weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on theactive level and, therefore, do not include carriers or by-products thatmay be included in commercially available materials.

Herein, “mixtures” is meant to include a simple combination of materialsand any compounds that may result from their combination.

As used herein, “molecular weight” or “Molecular weight” refers to theweight average molecular weight unless otherwise stated. Molecularweight is measured using industry standard method, gel permeationchromatography (“GPC”).

Mixture Composition

The mixture composition herein comprises a surfactant and a high meltingpoint fatty compound. The mixture composition may further contain abenefit agent. These ingredients are explained later in detail.

The mixture composition is contained in the product composition at alevel by weight of the product composition, of preferably from about0.01% to about 70%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 50%, stillmore preferably from about 0.05% to about 30%, in view of havingdiscrete particles of the mixture composition in the aqueous basecomposition and in the product composition, and also in view ofproviding at least one the followings: more flexibility in the productcomposition rheology; improved stability in the product composition;improved deposition of benefit agents; and improved visual/aestheticappearance.

When the mixture compositions contain benefit agents and such benefitagents are silicones and/or perfumes, the mixture compositions may becontained in the product composition at a level by weight of the productcomposition, of preferably from about 0.1% to about 70%, more preferablyfrom about 0.5% to about 50%, still more preferably from about 1% toabout 30%, even more preferably from about 2% about 20%.

When the mixture compositions contain benefit agents and such benefitagents are coloring agents and/or mica, the mixture compositions may becontained in the product composition at a level by weight of the productcomposition, of preferably from about 0.01% to about 50%, and morepreferably from about 0.01% to about 30%, still more preferably fromabout 0.01% to about 20%, even more preferably from about 0.05% to about10%.

The surfactants and the high melting point fatty compounds are presentin the mixture composition, with or without other ingredients, at alevel by weight of the mixture composition of, preferably from about 10%to about 100%, more preferably from about 20% to about 100%, still morepreferably from about 40% to about 100%, even more preferably from about60% to about 100%, further more preferably from about 80% to about 100%,in view of having discrete particles of the mixture composition in theaqueous base composition and in the product composition while containingother ingredients such as benefit agents, and also in view of providingmore flexibility in the product composition rheology and/or improvedstability in the product composition.

Other than the surfactants and high melting point fatty compounds, whenthe mixture composition contains any liquid such as water-insoluble,water-miscible, and water-soluble liquids and water, it is alsopreferred to control the level of such liquids, so that the total liquidlevel in the mixture composition can be up to about 92%, up to about60%, more preferably up to about 50%, still more preferably up to about40%, even more preferably up to about 30% by weight of the mixturecomposition, in view of having discrete particle of the mixturecomposition in the aqueous base composition and in the productcomposition.

When the liquid is water insoluble liquid such as silicones, such waterinsoluble liquid can be contained in the mixture composition at a levelby weight of the mixture composition of preferably up to about 90%, upto about 60%, more preferably up to about 50%, still more preferably upto about 40%, even more preferably up to about 30%.

When the liquid is water miscible liquid such propylene glycol andglycerin, such water miscible liquid can be contained in the mixturecomposition at a level by weight of the mixture composition ofpreferably up to about 90%, up to about 60%, more preferably up to about50%, still more preferably up to about 40%, even more preferably up toabout 30%.

When the liquid is water soluble liquids such as isopropylalcohol (IPA)and ethanol, such water soluble liquid can be contained in the mixturecomposition at a level by weight of the mixture composition ofpreferably up to about 50%, more preferably up to about 30%, still morepreferably up to about 20%.

When the mixture composition contains water, it is preferred to controlthe level of the water so that the mixture composition contains lessthan about 50% of water, more preferably less than about 25%, still morepreferably less than about 15%, even more preferably less than about10%, further preferably less than about 8% of water, by weight of themixture composition, in view of having discrete particle of the mixturecomposition in the aqueous base composition and in the productcomposition.

Preferably in the mixture composition, the surfactant and the highmelting point fatty compound are contained at a level such that theweight ratio of the surfactant to the high melting point fatty compoundis in the range of from about 1:1 to about 1:10, more preferably fromabout 1:1 to about 1:4, still more preferably from about 1:2 to about1:4, in view of providing rheology and/or conditioning benefit.

Surfactant for the Mixture Composition

The surfactant used for the mixture composition is preferablyhydrophobic, and is also preferably selected from the group consistingof: a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof;and still more preferably a cationic surfactant. Such preferred cationicsurfactants are further explained below under the title “CATIONICSURFACTANT”.

High Melting Point Fatty Compound for the Mixture Composition

The high melting point fatty compound used for the mixture compositionis explained below under the title “HIGH MELTING POINT FATTY COMPOUND”.

Benefit Agent for the Mixture Composition

The mixture composition may further comprise a benefit agent in additionto the surfactant and the high melting point fatty compound, which aredifferent from the surfactant and the high melting point fatty compound.This benefit agent is also different from the aqueous carrier and waterwhich may be contained in the mixture composition.

The benefit agent can be contained in the mixture composition at a levelby the weight of the mixture composition, of preferably from about 0.1%to about 90%, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 60%, still morepreferably from about 0.5% to about 40%, even more preferably from about0.5% to about 30% in view of providing benefits from the benefit agentsand in view of having discrete particle of the mixture composition inthe aqueous composition and in the product composition.

Preferably, such benefit agent is selected from the group consisting ofsilicone compounds, perfumes, coloring agents to add a different colorto the discrete particle from the color of the aqueous base composition,incompatible agents which are incompatible to at least one ingredientcontained in the aqueous base composition, and mixtures thereof.

Such silicone compounds are further explained below under the title“SILICONE COMPOUND”.

Such perfumes can be anything, for example, perfume per se, and perfumemicro capsule (PMC) in which perfume is encapsulated by a polymericouter layer.

Such coloring agent can be anything, for example, pigments and dyes.

Such incompatible agents are, for example, those selected from the groupconsisting of: solid minerals or chemical substances that have highionic strength and/or high surface charge and tend to causeagglomeration and/or crystallization, which are, for example, mica,salicylic acid, and metal pyrithione such as zinc pyrithione with orwithout ionic polymer coating or dispersion; organic oil material whichis highly interactive with gel network component, for example,

Hexyl Decanol, Isostearyl Isostearate;

and mixtures thereof.

Depending on the type of the benefit agent, when containing the benefitagent, the product composition may provide at least one of thefollowing:

-   -   Improved deposition of benefit agents;    -   Improved stability when containing incompatible agents;    -   Improved visual/aesthetic appearance when containing coloring        agents to add a different color to the discrete particle from        the color of the aqueous base composition.

Aqueous Base Composition

The aqueous base composition can be included in the product compositionat a level of q.s. to 100% by weight of the product composition,preferably from about 30% to about 99.9%, more preferably from about 50%to about 99.9%, still more preferably from about 70% to about 99.9%,even more preferably from about 80% to about 99.9%, further morepreferably from about 90% to about 99.9% by weight of the productcomposition, in view of having discrete particles of the mixturecomposition in the aqueous base composition and in the productcomposition.

The aqueous base compositions of the present invention comprise anaqueous carrier. Generally, the aqueous carrier can be contained in theaqueous base compositions at a level of q.s. to 100% of the aqueous basecomposition, preferably from about 40% to about 99%, more preferablyfrom about 50% to about 95%, still more preferably from about 70% toabout 95%, even more preferably from about 80% to about 95% by weight ofthe aqueous base composition.

Water-Soluble Polymer

The aqueous base composition comprises a water soluble polymer. Theaqueous base composition can include, for example, from about 0.005% toabout 10%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, more preferably fromabout 0.05% to about 5%, still more preferably from about 0.1% to about5%, and even more preferably from about 0.2% to about 3% of the watersoluble polymers, by weight of the aqueous base composition.

The water soluble polymers may have solubility in water, measured at 25°C., of from about 0.1 g/L to about 500 g/L. The water soluble polymersmay be of synthetic or natural origin and may be modified by means of achemical reaction.

In an embodiment, the water soluble polymers may have a weight averagemolecular weight of from about 5,000 g/mol to about 50,000,000 g/mol,alternatively from about 10,000 g/mol to about 10,000,000 g/mol,alternatively from about 20,000 g/mol to about 5,000,000 g/mol, andalternatively from about 100,000 g/mol to about 3,000,000 g/mol.

In an embodiment, the aqueous base composition with the water solublepolymers may have a viscosity at 20° C. of from about 100 centipoise toabout 10,000,000 centipoise, alternatively from about 500 centipoise toabout 5,000,000 centipoise, and alternatively from about 1000 centipoiseto about 100,000 centipoise.

The water soluble polymer can be nonionic, cationic, anionic,amphoteric, and preferably nonionic or cationic especially when thesurfactant contained in the discrete particle is nonionic or cationic.

Non-limiting examples of synthetic water soluble polymers may beselected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols,polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyalkylene oxides, polyacrylates, caprolactams,polymethacrylates, polymethylmethacrylates, polyacrylamides,polymethylacrylamides, polydimethylacrylamides, polyethylene glycolmonomethacrylates, polyurethanes, polycarboxylic acids, polyvinylacetates, polyesters, polyamides, polyamines, polyethyleneimines, andPEG-240/HDI COPOLYMER BIS-DECYLTETRADECETH-20ETHER.

Further non-limiting examples of synthetic water soluble polymers may beselected from the group consisting of copolymers of anionic, cationicand amphoteric monomers and mixtures thereof, including maleic acrylatebased copolymers, maleic methacrylate based copolymers, copolymers ofmethylvinyl ether and of maleic anhydride, copolymers of vinyl acetateand of crotonic acid, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of vinylacetate, and copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of caprolactam,polyquaternium-37, polyquaternium-6 and polyquaternium-7.

Non-limiting examples of natural water soluble polymers may be selectedfrom the group consisting of karaya gum, tragacanth gum, gum arabic,acemannan, konjac mannan, acacia gum, gum ghatti, whey protein isolate,soy protein isolate, guar gum, locust bean gum, quince seed gum,psyllium seed gum, carrageenan, alginates, agar, fruit extracts(pectins), xanthan gum, gellan gum, pullulan, hyaluronic acid,chondroitin sulfate, and dextran, casein, gelatin, keratin, keratinhydrolysates, sulfonic keratins, albumin, collagen, glutelin, glucagons,gluten, zein, shellac, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of modified natural water soluble polymers may beselected from the group consisting of (1) cellulose derivativesincluding hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose,hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,ethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate,nitrocellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters; and (2) guarderivatives including hydroxypropyl guar. Suitablehydroxypropylmethylcelluloses may include those available from the DowChemical Company (Midland, Mich.).

Among them, highly preferred are, Polyquaternium-37 and PEG-240/HDICOPOLYMER BIS-DECYLTETRADECETH-20ETHER.

Water Mobility

Preferably, the aqueous base composition has a water mobility value (T2(ms)) of from about 50 ms to about 2350 ms, and more preferably fromabout 70 ms to about 2300 ms, still more preferably from about 90 ms toabout 2250 ms. For example, 100% pure water has a water mobility of 2388ms, and 1.5% water solution of ADEKA NOL GT730 has a water mobility of2214 ms.

Water mobility value is obtained by measuring spin-spin relaxation timeby CPMG method for Pulse NMR Analysis (cp_mb described in the software),in more detail, by using a minispec mq20 NMR Analyzer (Bruker). In atypical measurement, around 5 grams of the sample (the exact weight ofthe sample is recorded) were sealed in an NMR tube having a diameter of18 mm A measurement is started 1 mins after the NMR tube is inserted inthe instrument. The measurements are performed under the followingconditions:

90°-180° Pulse Separation (tau): 0.04 ms-1.6 ms;Recycle delay time: 25 s;Cumulations times: 8 times;Measurement temperature: 25° C.

The spin-spin relaxation time (T2) is calculated by “contin” methodfitting of the exponential decay curve in the minispec software. Thepeak position was identified by the peak top position.

Substantially Free of Detersive Surfactant

The aqueous base composition of the present invention is substantiallyfree of detersive surfactants. The detersive surfactants herein arethose selected from anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactant,amphoteric surfactant, and combinations thereof.

In the present invention, “the composition being substantially free ofdetersive surfactants” means that: the aqueous base composition is freeof detersive surfactants; or, if the aqueous base composition containsdetersive surfactants, the level of such detersive surfactants is verylow. In the present invention, a total level of such detersivesurfactants, if included, preferably 0.1% or less, more preferably 0.05%or less, still more preferably 0.01% or less by weight of the aqueousbase composition. Most preferably, the total level of such detersivesurfactants is 0% by weight of the aqueous base composition.

The product composition (comprising the discrete particles of themixture composition and the aqueous base composition) may also besubstantially free of detersive surfactant.

Surfactant in the Aqueous Base Composition

The aqueous base composition may contain a surfactant, which ispreferably hydrophobic, and which is selected from the group consistingof: a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof;and preferably a cationic surfactant. Such preferred cationicsurfactants are further explained below under the title “CATIONICSURFACTANT”. The surfactant can be included in the aqueous basecomposition at a level of preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, morepreferably from about 0.3% to about 8%, still more preferably from about0.5% to about 5%, even more preferably from about 0.7% to about 4% byweight of the aqueous base composition.

High Melting Point Fatty Compound in the Aqueous Base Composition

The aqueous base composition may contain a high melting point fattycompounds. The high melting point fatty compound can be included in theaqueous base composition at a level of preferably from about 0.5% toabout 15%, more preferably from about 1.0% to about 10%, still morepreferably from about 1.5% to about 8.0%, even more preferably fromabout 2.0% to about 6.0%, further more preferably from about 2.5% to about 6.0% by weight of the aqueous base composition.

The high melting point fatty compound is explained below under the title“HIGH MELTING POINT FATTY COMPOUND”.

Benefit Agent for the Aqueous Base Composition

The aqueous base composition may further comprise a benefit agent inaddition to the surfactant and the high melting point fatty compound,which are different from the surfactant and the high melting point fattycompound. This benefit agent is also different from the aqueous carrierand water.

The benefit agent can be contained in the aqueous base composition at alevel by the weight of the aqueous base composition, of preferably fromabout 0.05% to about 60%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 30%,still more preferably from about 0.1% to about 20%, even more preferablyfrom about 0.1% to about 10%, in view of providing benefits from thebenefit agents, and in view of not deteriorating the benefit from theaqueous base composition especially the surfactant and high meltingpoint fatty compound.

The benefit agent can be contained in the aqueous base composition, sothat the benefit agent can be contained in the product composition at alevel by the weight of the product composition, of preferably from about0.05% to about 30% more preferably from about 0.1% to about 15%, stillmore preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, even more preferably fromabout 0.1% to about 7%, in view of providing benefits from the benefitagents, and in view of not deteriorating the benefit from the aqueousbase composition especially the surfactant and high melting point fattycompound.

Preferably, such benefit agents used in the aqueous base composition areselected from the group consisting of silicone compounds, perfumes,incompatible agents which are incompatible to at least one ingredientcontained in the mixture composition and/or in the discrete particle,and mixtures thereof. More preferably, such benefit agents used in theaqueous base composition are incompatible agents which are incompatibleto at least one ingredient contained in the mixture composition and/orin the discrete particle.

Such silicone compounds are further explained below under the title“SILICONE COMPOUND”.

Such perfumes can be anything, for example, perfume per se, and perfumemicro capsule (PMC) in which perfume is encapsulated by a polymericouter layer.

Such incompatible agents are, for example, those selected from the groupconsisting of: solid minerals or chemical substances that have highionic strength and/or high surface charge and tend to causeagglomeration and/or crystallization, which are, for example, mica andmetal pyrithione such as zinc pyrithione with or without ionic polymercoating or dispersion;

organic oil material which is highly interactive with gel networkcomponent, for example, Hexyl Decanol, Isostearyl Isostearate;

and mixtures thereof.

Depending on the type of the benefit agent, when containing the benefitagent, the product composition may provide at least one of thefollowing:

-   -   Improved deposition of benefit agents;    -   Improved stability when containing incompatible agents.

Discrete Particle

The product composition comprises discrete particles of the mixturecomposition. The discrete particles herein are those dispersed in theaqueous base composition and can be observed as discrete particle infinal product composition visually, for example, by microscope, however,those do not show maltese cross sign when measured by polarized lightmicroscopy. This means that the discrete particles useful herein are notvesicles which are often seen in emulsions such as aqueous basecomposition comprising surfactants, high melting fatty compounds andaqueous carrier. Generally, surfactants, high melting fatty compoundsand aqueous carrier form emulsions, preferably a gel matrix. In suchemulsions and gel matrix, these components often form lamellar vesicleand/or lamellar sheet. Such Lamellar vesicle can be observed as discreteparticle by microscope, however, shows maltese cross sign when measuredby polarized microscope.

The discrete particles are contained in the product composition at alevel by weight of the product composition, of preferably from about0.1% to about 70%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 50%, stillmore preferably from about 0.1% to about 30%, in view of providing moreflexibility in the product composition rheology and/or improvedstability in the product composition.

The discrete particle is preferably swollen in the product composition,more preferably swollen by aqueous carrier, still more preferably bywater. The discrete particle can be swollen in the aqueous basecomposition by the aqueous carrier and/or water from the aqueous basecomposition. Alternatively or concurrently, the discrete particle can beswollen before mixing it with the aqueous base composition, for example,when or after preparing the discrete particle from the mixturecomposition, by using an aqueous carrier and/or water as a solvent todisperse discrete particle. Such solvents are considered as componentsof the aqueous base composition, when calculating the amount of thecomponent.

It is believed that swelling of the discrete particle is saturated inabout 3 days and up to 1 week at the longest regardless the particlesize and regardless of benefit agents inside if included. And, it isbelieved that, if it happens, diffusion and/or collapsing of discreteparticle will happens within 1 week and complete within 3 weeks at thelongest. It is also believed that physical properties and benefits ofthe discrete particles may be changed during swelling, diffusion and/orcollapsing, but will be stabilized and will not change after 3 weeks.Thus, the discrete particles useful herein exist in the compositionpreferably for 1 month or longer, more preferably 3 months or longer,still more preferably 6 months or longer, further more preferably for 12month or longer, even more preferably for 24 month or longer.

The swollen discrete particle preferably has a particle size of fromabout 1 micrometer to about 2000 micrometers, more preferably from about10 micrometers to about 1000 micrometer, still more preferably fromabout 50 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. Such swollen discreteparticles also can be observed as discrete particles by microscope,however, do not show maltese cross sign when measured by polarized lightmicroscopy.

The discrete particles and the swollen discrete particles herein can bein any shape, for example, spherical shape, rectangular shape, ordiamond shape.

Before swelling, preferably, the discrete particle is solid.

Before swelling, the discrete particle preferably comprises 100% of themixture composition, i.e., consisting of the mixture composition. Whenthe discrete particles contain water before swelling, it is preferred tocontrol the level of the water before swelling, so that the discreteparticle before swelling contains less than about 50% of water, morepreferably less than about 25%, still more preferably less than about15%, even more preferably less than about 10%, further preferably lessthan about 8% of water, by weight of the discrete particle.

Before swelling, the surfactants and the high melting point fattycompounds are present in the discrete particle, with or without otheringredients, at a level by weight of the discrete particle of,preferably from about 10% to about 100%, more preferably from about 20%to about 100%, still more preferably from about 40% to about 100%, evenmore preferably from about 60% to about 100%, further more preferablyfrom about 80% to about 100%, in view of having discrete particles ofthe mixture composition in the aqueous base composition and in theproduct composition.

Before and after swelling, the discrete particle is preferably not anoil-in-water emulsion or water-in-oil-in-water emulsion, morepreferably, not any emulsion including water-in-oil emulsion andoil-in-water-in-oil emulsion.

The discrete particle herein is different from particles coated orencapsulated by, for example, polymers.

The discrete particle useful herein is different from swellable siliconeelastomer and swellable thickening polymer. Preferably, the discreteparticle and the mixture composition are substantially free of suchswellable silicone elastomer and swellable thickening polymer. In thepresent invention, “the discrete particle and the mixture compositionbeing substantially free of swellable silicone elastomer and swellablethickening polymer” means that: the discrete particle and the mixturecomposition are free of swellable silicone elastomer and swellablethickening polymer; or, if the discrete particle and the mixturecomposition contains swellable silicone elastomer and swellablethickening polymer, the level of such swellable silicone elastomer andswellable thickening polymer is very low. In the present invention, atotal level of such swellable silicone elastomer and swellablethickening polymer, if included, preferably 0.1% or less, morepreferably 0.05% or less, still more preferably 0.01% or less by weightof the discrete particle or by the weight of the mixture composition.Most preferably, the total level of such swellable silicone elastomerand swellable thickening polymer is 0% by weight of the discreteparticle or by the weight of the mixture composition.

Product Composition

The product composition comprises the discrete particles and the aqueousbase composition, preferably consisting of the discrete particles andthe aqueous base composition. The product composition of the presentinvention can be anything, and is preferably selected from the groupconsisting of a hair care product composition, a body care productcomposition, a facial skin care product composition, and mixturesthereof, more preferably a hair care product composition. Among the haircare compositions, still more preferred are hair conditioningcompositions wherein the surfactants contained in the discrete particleand the aqueous composition are cationic surfactants.

Product Forms

The product compositions of the present invention can be in the form ofrinse-off products or leave-on products, and can be formulated in a widevariety of product forms, including but not limited to creams, gels,emulsions, mousses and sprays. The product composition of the presentinvention is especially suitable for hair conditioners especiallyrinse-off hair conditioners.

When used as a rinse-off conditioner, the product composition ispreferably used by the following steps:

-   -   (i) after shampooing hair, applying to the hair an effective        amount of the conditioner composition for conditioning the hair;        and    -   (ii) then rinsing the hair.

Effective amount herein is, for example, from about 0.1 ml to about 2 mlper 10 g of hair, preferably from about 0.2 ml to about 1.5 ml per 10 gof hair.

Cationic Surfactant

Cationic surfactant useful herein can be one cationic surfactant or amixture of two or more cationic surfactants. Preferably, the cationicsurfactant is selected from: mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt;a combination of mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt and di-longalkyl quaternized ammonium salt; mono-long alkyl amine; a combination ofmono-long alkyl amine and di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt.

Mono-Long Alkyl Quaternized Ammonium Salt

The mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein are thosehaving one long alkyl chain which has from 12 to 30 carbon atoms,preferably from 16 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably C18-22 alkylgroup. The remaining groups attached to nitrogen are independentlyselected from an alkyl group of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or analkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylarylgroup having up to about 4 carbon atoms.

Mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein are thosehaving the formula (I):

wherein one of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ is selected from an alkyl group offrom 12 to 30 carbon atoms or an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene,alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about 30carbon atoms; the remainder of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ are independentlyselected from an alkyl group of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or analkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylarylgroup having up to about 4 carbon atoms; and X⁻ is a salt-forming anionsuch as those selected from halogen, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate,citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate, nitrate, sulfonate, sulfate,alkylsulfate, and alkyl sulfonate radicals. The alkyl groups cancontain, in addition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, ether and/or esterlinkages, and other groups such as amino groups. The longer chain alkylgroups, e.g., those of about 12 carbons, or higher, can be saturated orunsaturated. Preferably, one of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ is selected froman alkyl group of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably from 16 to24 carbon atoms, still more preferably from 18 to 22 carbon atoms, evenmore preferably 22 carbon atoms; the remainder of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸are independently selected from CH₃, C₂H₅, C₂H₄OH, and mixtures thereof;and X is selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, CH₃OSO₃,C₂H₅OSO₃, and mixtures thereof.

Nonlimiting examples of such mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium saltcationic surfactants include: behenyl trimethyl ammonium salt; stearyltrimethyl ammonium salt; cetyl trimethyl ammonium salt; and hydrogenatedtallow alkyl trimethyl ammonium salt.

Di-Long Alkyl Quaternized Ammonium Salts

When used, di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts are preferablycombined with a mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt or mono-longalkyl amine salt, at the weight ratio of from 1:1 to 1:5, morepreferably from 1:1.2 to 1:5, still more preferably from 1:1.5 to 1:4,in view of stability in rheology and conditioning benefits.

Di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein are those havingtwo long alkyl chains of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferablyfrom 16 to 24 carbon atoms, still more preferably from 18 to 22 carbonatoms. Such di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein arethose having the formula (I):

wherein two of R⁷¹, R⁷², R⁷³ and R⁷⁴ are selected from an aliphaticgroup of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 16 to 24 carbonatoms, more preferably from 18 to 22 carbon atoms or an aromatic,alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylarylgroup having up to about 30 carbon atoms; the remainder of R⁷¹, R⁷², R⁷³and R⁷⁴ are independently selected from an aliphatic group of from 1 toabout 8 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 3 carbon atoms or anaromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl oralkylaryl group having up to about 8 carbon atoms; and X⁻ is asalt-forming anion selected from the group consisting of halides such aschloride and bromide, C1-C4 alkyl sulfate such as methosulfate andethosulfate, and mixtures thereof. The aliphatic groups can contain, inaddition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, ether linkages, and other groupssuch as amino groups. The longer chain aliphatic groups, e.g., those ofabout 16 carbons, or higher, can be saturated or unsaturated.Preferably, two of R⁷¹, R⁷², R⁷³ and R⁷⁴ are selected from an alkylgroup of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 16 to 24 carbonatoms, more preferably from 18 to 22 carbon atoms; and the remainder ofR⁷¹, R⁷², R⁷³ and R⁷⁴ are independently selected from CH₃, C₂H₅, C₂H₄OH,CH₂C₆H₅, and mixtures thereof.

Such preferred di-long alkyl cationic surfactants include, for example,dialkyl (14-18) dimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallow alkyl dimethylammonium chloride, dihydrogenated tallow alkyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride, distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and dicetyl dimethylammonium chloride.

Mono-Long Alkyl Amidoamine Salt

Mono-long alkylamines are also suitable as cationic surfactants.Primary, secondary, and tertiary fatty amines are useful. Particularlyuseful are tertiary amido amines having an alkyl group of from about 12to about 22 carbons. Exemplary tertiary amido amines include:stearamidopropyldimethylamine, stearamidopropyldiethylamine,stearamidoethyldiethylamine, stearamidoethyldimethylamine,palmitamidopropyldimethylamine, palmitamidopropyldiethylamine,palmitamidoethyldiethylamine, palmitamidoethyldimethylamine,behenamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldiethylamine,behenamidoethyldiethylamine, behenamidoethyldimethylamine,arachidamidopropyldimethylamine, arachidamidopropyldiethylamine,arachidamidoethyldiethylamine, arachidamidoethyldimethylamine,diethylaminoethylstearamide. Useful amines in the present invention aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,055, Nachtigal, et al. These amines canalso be used in combination with acids such as L-glutamic acid, lacticacid, hydrochloric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, fumaricacid, tartaric acid, citric acid, L-glutamic hydrochloride, maleic acid,and mixtures thereof; more preferably L-glutamic acid, lactic acid,citric acid. The amines herein are preferably partially neutralized withany of the acids at a molar ratio of the amine to the acid of from about1:0.3 to about 1:2, more preferably from about 1:0.4 to about 1:1.

High Melting Point Fatty Compound

The high melting point fatty compound useful herein have a melting pointof 25° C. or higher, preferably 40° C. or higher, more preferably 45° C.or higher, still more preferably 50° C. or higher, in view of stabilityof the emulsion especially the gel matrix. Preferably, such meltingpoint is up to about 90° C., more preferably up to about 80° C., stillmore preferably up to about 70° C., even more preferably up to about 65°C., in view of easier manufacturing and easier emulsification. In thepresent invention, the high melting point fatty compound can be used asa single compound or as a blend or mixture of at least two high meltingpoint fatty compounds. When used as such blend or mixture, the abovemelting point means the melting point of the blend or mixture.

The high melting point fatty compound useful herein is selected from thegroup consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty alcoholderivatives, fatty acid derivatives, and mixtures thereof. It isunderstood by the artisan that the compounds disclosed in this sectionof the specification can in some instances fall into more than oneclassification, e.g., some fatty alcohol derivatives can also beclassified as fatty acid derivatives. However, a given classification isnot intended to be a limitation on that particular compound, but is doneso for convenience of classification and nomenclature. Further, it isunderstood by the artisan that, depending on the number and position ofdouble bonds, and length and position of the branches, certain compoundshaving certain required carbon atoms may have a melting point of lessthan the above preferred in the present invention. Such compounds of lowmelting point are not intended to be included in this section.Nonlimiting examples of the high melting point compounds are found inInternational Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, Fifth Edition, 1993, andCTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Second Edition, 1992.

Among a variety of high melting point fatty compounds, fatty alcoholsare preferably used in the composition of the present invention. Thefatty alcohols useful herein are those having from about 14 to about 30carbon atoms, preferably from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms. Thesefatty alcohols are saturated and can be straight or branched chainalcohols.

Preferred fatty alcohols include, for example, cetyl alcohol (having amelting point of about 56° C.), stearyl alcohol (having a melting pointof about 58-59° C.), behenyl alcohol (having a melting point of about71° C.), and mixtures thereof. These compounds are known to have theabove melting point. However, they often have lower melting points whensupplied, since such supplied products are often mixtures of fattyalcohols having alkyl chain length distribution in which the main alkylchain is cetyl, stearyl or behenyl group.

In the present invention, more preferred fatty alcohol is a mixture ofcetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.

Generally, in the mixture, the weight ratio of cetyl alcohol to stearylalcohol is preferably from about 1:9 to 9:1, more preferably from about1:4 to about 4:1, still more preferably from about 1:2.3 to about 1.5:1

Aqueous Carrier

The level and species of the aqueous carrier are selected according tothe compatibility with other components, and other desiredcharacteristics of the product.

The carrier useful in the present invention includes water and watersolutions of lower alkyl alcohols. The lower alkyl alcohols usefulherein are monohydric alcohols having 1 to 6 carbons, more preferablyethanol and isopropanol.

Preferably, the aqueous carrier is substantially water. Deionized wateris preferably used. Water from natural sources including mineral cationscan also be used, depending on the desired characteristic of theproduct.

Silicone Compound

Preferably, when contained in the aqueous base composition, the siliconecompounds have an average particle size of from about 10 nm to about 100micron, more preferably from about 0.1 microns to about 100 microns,still more preferably from about 1 microns to about 50 microns, in theaqueous base composition.

The silicone compounds useful herein, as a single compound, as a blendor mixture of at least two silicone compounds, or as a blend or mixtureof at least one silicone compound and at least one solvent, have aviscosity of preferably from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000 mPa·s at 25°C.

The viscosity can be measured by means of a glass capillary viscometeras set forth in Dow Corning Corporate Test Method CTM0004, Jul. 20,1970. Suitable silicone fluids include polyalkyl siloxanes, polyarylsiloxanes, polyalkylaryl siloxanes, polyether siloxane copolymers, aminosubstituted silicones, quaternized silicones, and mixtures thereof.Other nonvolatile silicone compounds having conditioning properties canalso be used.

In some embodiments, amino substituted silicones are preferably used.Preferred aminosilicones include, for example, those which conform tothe general formula (I):

(R₁)_(a)G_(3-a)-Si—(—OSiG₂)_(n)-(-OSiG_(b)(R₁)_(2-b))_(m)—O-SiG_(3-a)(R₁)_(a)

wherein G is hydrogen, phenyl, hydroxy, or C₁-C₈ alkyl, preferablymethyl; a is 0 or an integer having a value from 1 to 3, preferably 1; bis 0, 1 or 2, preferably 1; n is a number from 0 to 1,999; m is aninteger from 0 to 1,999; the sum of n and m is a number from 1 to 2,000;a and m are not both 0; R₁ is a monovalent radical conforming to thegeneral formula CqH_(2q)L, wherein q is an integer having a value from 2to 8 and L is selected from the following groups: —N(R₂)CH₂—CH₂—N(R₂)₂;—N(R₂)₂; —N(R₂)₃A; —N(R₂)CH₂—CH₂—NR₂H₂A; wherein R₂ is hydrogen, phenyl,benzyl, or a saturated hydrocarbon radical, preferably an alkyl radicalfrom about C₁ to about C₂₀; A⁻ is a halide ion.

Highly preferred amino silicones are those corresponding to formula (I)wherein m=0, a=1, q=3, G=methyl, n is preferably from about 1500 toabout 1700, more preferably about 1600; and L is —N(CH₃)₂ or —NH₂, morepreferably —NH₂. Another highly preferred amino silicones are thosecorresponding to formula (I) wherein m=0, a=1, q=3, G=methyl, n ispreferably from about 400 to about 600, more preferably about 500; and Lis —N(CH₃)₂ or —NH₂, more preferably —NH₂. Such highly preferred aminosilicones can be called as terminal aminosilicones, as one or both endsof the silicone chain are terminated by nitrogen containing group.

The above aminosilicones, when incorporated into the composition, can bemixed with solvent having a lower viscosity. Such solvents include, forexample, polar or non-polar, volatile or non-volatile oils. Such oilsinclude, for example, silicone oils, hydrocarbons, and esters. Amongsuch a variety of solvents, preferred are those selected from the groupconsisting of non-polar, volatile hydrocarbons, volatile cyclicsilicones, non-volatile linear silicones, and mixtures thereof. Thenon-volatile linear silicones useful herein are those having a viscosityof from about 1 to about 20,000 centistokes, preferably from about 20 toabout 10,000 centistokes at 25° C. Among the preferred solvents, highlypreferred are non-polar, volatile hydrocarbons, especially non-polar,volatile isoparaffins, in view of reducing the viscosity of theaminosilicones and providing improved hair conditioning benefits such asreduced friction on dry hair. Such mixtures have a viscosity ofpreferably from about 1,000 mPa·s to about 100,000 mPa·s, morepreferably from about 5,000 mPa·s to about 50,000 mPa·s.

Other suitable alkylamino substituted silicone compounds include thosehaving alkylamino substitutions as pendant groups of a siliconebackbone. Highly preferred are those known as “amodimethicone”.Commercially available amodimethicones useful herein include, forexample, BY16-872 available from Dow Corning.

Silicone Polymer Containing Quaternary Groups

Silicone compounds useful herein include, for example, a SiliconePolymer Containing Quaternary Groups comprising terminal ester groups,having a viscosity up to 100,000 mPa·s and a D block length of greaterthan 200 D units. Without being bound by theory, this low viscositysilicone polymer provides improved conditioning benefits such as smoothfeel, reduced friction, and prevention of hair damage, while eliminatingthe need for a silicone blend.

Structurally, the silicone polymer is a polyorganosiloxane compoundcomprising one or more quaternary ammonium groups, at least one siliconeblock comprising greater than 200 siloxane units, at least onepolyalkylene oxide structural unit, and at least one terminal estergroup. In one or more embodiments, the silicone block may comprisebetween 300 to 500 siloxane units.

The silicone polymer is present in an amount of from about 0.05% toabout 15%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably fromabout 0.15% to about 5%, and even more preferably from about 0.2% toabout 4% by weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the polyorganosiloxane compounds have thegeneral formulas (Ia) and (lb):

M-Y—[—(N⁺R₂-T-N⁺R₂)—Y-]_(m)-[—(NR²-A-E-A′-NR²)—Y-]_(k)-M  (Ia)

M-Y—[—(N⁺R₂-T-N⁺R₂)—Y-]_(m)-[—(N⁺R² ₂-A-E-A′-N⁺R² ₂)—Y-]_(k)-M  (Ib)

wherein:m is >0, preferred 0.01 to 100, more preferred 0.1 to 100, even morepreferred 1 to 100, specifically 1 to 50, more specifically 1 to 20,even more specifically 1 to 10,k is 0 or an average value of from >0 to 50, or preferably from 1 to 20,or even more preferably from 1 to 10,M represents a terminal group, comprising terminal ester groups selectedfrom

—OC(O)—Z

—OS(O)₂—Z

—OS(O₂)O—Z

—OP(O)(O—Z)OH

—OP(O)(O—Z)₂

wherein Z is selected from monovalent organic residues having up to 40carbon atoms, optionally comprising one or more hetero atoms.A and A′ each are independently from each other selected from a singlebond or a divalent organic group having up to 10 carbon atoms and one ormore hetero atoms, andE is a polyalkylene oxide group of the general formula:

—[CH₂CH₂O]_(q)—[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]_(r)—[CH₂CH(C₂H₅)O]_(s)—

wherein q=0 to 200, r=0 to 200, s=0 to 200, and q+r+s=1 to 600.R² is selected from hydrogen or R,R is selected from monovalent organic groups having up to 22 carbonatoms and optionally one or more heteroatoms, and wherein the freevalencies at the nitrogen atoms are bound to carbon atoms,Y is a group of the formula:

—K—S—K— and -A-E-A′- or -A′-E-A-,

withwherein R₁=C₁-C₂₂-alkyl, C₁-C₂₂-fluoralkyl or aryl; n=200 to 1000, andthese can be identical or different if several S Groups are present inthe polyorganosiloxane compound.K is a bivalent or trivalent straight chain, cyclic and/or branchedC₂-C₄₀ hydrocarbon residue which is optionally interrupted by —O—, —NH—,trivalent N, —C(S)—, and optionally substituted with —OH, wherein R′ isdefined as above,T is selected from a divalent organic group having up to 20 carbon atomsand one or more hetero atoms.

The residues K may be identical or different from each other. In the—K—S—K— moiety, the residue K is bound to the silicon atom of theresidue S via a C—Si-bond.

Due to the possible presence of amine groups (—(NR²-A-E-A′NR²)—) in thepolyorganosiloxane compounds, they may have protonated ammonium groups,resulting from the protonation of such amine groups with organic orinorganic acids. Such compounds are sometimes referred to as acidaddition salts of the polyorganosiloxane compounds.

In a preferred embodiment the molar ratio of the quaternary ammoniumgroups b) and the terminal ester groups c) is less than 100:20, evenmore preferred is less than 100:30 and is most preferred less than100:50. The ratio can be determined by ¹³C-NMR.

In a further embodiment, the polyorganosiloxane composition maycomprise:

A) at least one polyorganosiloxane compound, comprising a) at least onepolyorganosiloxane group, b) at least one quaternary ammonium group, c)at least one terminal ester group, and d) at least one polyalkyleneoxide group (as defined before),B) at least one polyorganosiloxane compound, comprising at least oneterminal ester group, different from compound A).

In the definition of component A) it can be referred to the descriptionof the polyorganosiloxane compounds of the invention. Thepolyorganosiloxane compound B) differs from the polyorganosiloxanecompound A) preferably in that it does not comprise quaternary ammoniumgroups. Preferred polyorganosiloxane compounds B) result from thereaction of monofunctional organic acids, in particular carboxylicacids, and polyorganosiloxane containing bisepoxides.

In the polyorganosiloxane compositions the weight ratio of compound A)to compound B) is preferably less than 90:10. Or in other words, thecontent of component B) is at least 10 weight percent. In a furtherpreferred embodiment of the polyorganosiloxane compositions in compoundA) the molar ratio of the quaternary ammonium groups b) and the terminalester groups c) is less than 100:10, even more preferred is less than100:15 and is most preferred less than 100:20.

The silicone polymer has a viscosity at 20° C. and a shear rate of 0.1s⁻¹ (plate-plate system, plate diameter 40 mm, gap width 0.5 mm) of lessthan 100,000 mPa·s (100 Pa·s). In further embodiments, the viscositiesof the neat silicone polymers may range from 500 to 100,000 mPa·s, orpreferably from 500 to 70,000 mPa·s, or more preferably from 500 to50,000 mPa·s, or even more preferably from 500 to 20,000 mPa·s. Infurther embodiments, the viscosities of the neat polymers may range from500 to 10,000 mPa·s, or preferably 500 to 5000 mPa·s determined at 20°C. and a shear rate of 0.1 s⁻¹.

In addition to the above listed silicone polymers, the followingpreferred compositions are provided below. For example, in thepolyalkylene oxide group E of the general formula:

—[CH₂CH₂O]_(q)—[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]_(s)—[CH₂CH(C₂H₅)O]_(s)—

wherein the q, r, and s indices may be defined as follows:q=0 to 200, or preferably from 0 to 100, or more preferably from 0 to50, or even more preferably from 0 to 20,r=0 to 200, or preferably from 0 to 100, or more preferably from 0 to50, or even more preferably from 0 to 20,s=0 to 200, or preferably from 0 to 100, or more preferably from 0 to50, or even more preferably from 0 to 20, andq+r+s=1 to 600, or preferably from 1 to 100, or more preferably from 1to 50, or even more preferably from 1 to 40.

For polyorganosiloxane structural units with the general formula S:

R¹=C₁-C₂₂-alkyl, C₁-C₂₂-fluoralkyl or aryl; n=from 200 to 1000, orpreferably from 300 to 500, K (in the group —K—S—K—) is preferably abivalent or trivalent straight chain, cyclical or branched C₂-C₂₀hydrocarbon residue which is optionally interrupted by —O—, —NH—,trivalent N, —NR¹—, —C(O)—, —C(S)—, and optionally substituted with —OH.

In specific embodiments, R¹ is C₁-C₈ alkyl, C fluoroalkyl and aryl.Furthermore, R¹ is preferably C₁-Cis alkyl, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl and aryl.Furthermore, R¹ is more preferably C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl, evenmore preferably C₁-C₄ fluoroalkyl, and phenyl. Most preferably, IV ismethyl, ethyl, trifluoropropyl and phenyl.

As used herein, the term “C₁-C₂₂ alkyl” means that the aliphatichydrocarbon groups possess from 1 to 22 carbon atoms which can bestraight chain or branched. Methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, pentyl,hexyl, heptyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, isopropyl, neopentyl and1,2,3-trimethyl hexyl moieties serve as examples.

Further as used herein, the term “C₁-C₂₂ fluoroalkyl” means aliphatichydrocarbon compounds with 1 to 22 carbon atoms which can be straightchain or branched and are substituted with at least one fluorine atom.Monofluormethyl, monofluoroethyl, 1,1,1-trifluorethyl, perfluoroethyl,1,1,1-trifluoropropyl, 1,2,2-trifluorobutyl are suitable examples.Moreover, the term “aryl” means unsubstituted or phenyl substituted onceor several times with OH, F, C₁, CF₃, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₃-C₇cycloalkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl or phenyl. Aryl may also mean naphthyl.

For the embodiments of the polyorganosiloxanes, the positive chargesresulting from the ammonium group(s), are neutralized with inorganicanions such as chloride, bromide, hydrogen sulfate, sulfate, or organicanions, like carboxylates deriving from C₁-C₃₀ carboxylic acids, forexample acetate, propionate, octanoate, especially from C₁₀-C₁₈carboxylic acids, for example decanoate, dodecanoate, tetradecanoate,hexadecanoate, octadecanoate and oleate, alkylpolyethercarboxylate,alkylsulphonate, arylsulphonate, alkylarylsulphonate, alkylsulphate,alkylpolyethersulphate, phosphates derived from phosphoric acid monoalkyl/aryl ester and phosphoric acid dialkyl/aryl ester. The propertiesof the polyorganosiloxane compounds can be, inter alia, modified basedupon the selection of acids used.

The quaternary ammonium groups are usually generated by reacting thedi-tertiary amines with an alkylating agents, selected from inparticular di-epoxides (sometimes referred to also as bis-epoxides) inthe presence of mono carboxylic acids and difunctional dihalogen alkylcompounds.

In a preferred embodiment the polyorganosiloxane compounds are of thegeneral formulas (Ia) and (lb):

M-Y—[—(N⁺R₂-T-N⁺R₂)—Y-]_(m)-[—(NR²-A-E-A′-NR²)—Y-]_(k)-M  (Ia)

M-Y—[—(N⁺R₂-T-N⁺R₂)—Y-]_(m)-[—(N⁺R² ₂-A-E-A′-N⁺R² ₂)—Y-]_(k)-M  (Ib)

wherein each group is as defined above; however, the repeating units arein a statistical arrangement (i.e., not a block-wise arrangement).

In a further preferred embodiment the polyorganosiloxane compounds maybe also of the general formulas (IIa) or (IIb):

M-Y—[—N⁺R₂—Y-]_(m)-[—(NR²-A-E-A′-NR²)—Y-]_(k)-M  (IIa)

M-Y—[—N⁺R₂—Y-]_(m)-[—(N⁺R² ₂-A-E-A′-N⁺R² ₂)—Y-]_(k)-M  (IIb)

wherein each group is as defined above. Also in such formula therepeating units are usually in a statistical arrangement (i.e. not ablock-wise arrangement).

wherein, as defined above, M is

—OC(O)—Z,

—OS(O)₂—Z

—OS(O₂)O—Z

—OP(O)(O—Z)OH

—OP(O)(O—Z)₂

Z is a straight chain, cyclic or branched saturated or unsaturatedC₁-C₂₀, or preferably C₂ to C₁₈, or even more preferably a hydrocarbonradical, which can be interrupted by one or more —O—, or —C(O)— andsubstituted with —OH. In a specific embodiment, M is —OC(O)—Z resultingfrom normal carboxylic acids in particular with more than 10 carbonatoms like for example dodecanoic acid.

In a further embodiment, the molar ratio of thepolyorganosiloxane-containing repeating group —K—S—K— and thepolyalkylene repeating group -A-E-A- or -A′-E-A- is between 100:1 and1:100, or preferably between 20:1 and 1:20, or more preferably between10:1 and 1:10.

In the group —(N⁺R₂-T-N⁺R₂)—, R may represent a monovalent straightchain, cyclic or branched C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radical, which can beinterrupted by one or more —O—, —C(O)— and can be substituted by —OH, Tmay represent a divalent straight-chain, cyclic, or branched C₁-C₂₀hydrocarbon radical, which can be interrupted by —O—, —C(O)— and can besubstituted by hydroxyl.

The above described polyorganosiloxane compounds comprising quaternaryammonium functions and ester functions may also contain: 1) individualmolecules which contain quaternary ammonium functions and no esterfunctions; 2) molecules which contain quaternary ammonium functions andester functions; and 3) molecules which contain ester functions and noquaternary ammonium functions. While not limited to structure, the abovedescribed polyorganosiloxane compounds comprising quaternary ammoniumfunctions and ester functions are to be understood as mixtures ofmolecules comprising a certain averaged amount and ratio of bothmoieties.

Various monofunctional organic acids may be utilized to yield theesters. Exemplary embodiments include C₁-C₃₀ carboxylic acids, forexample C₂, C₃, C₈ acids, Cm-Cis carboxylic acids, for example C₁₂, C₁₄,C₁₆ acids, saturated, unsaturated and hydroxyl functionalized C₁₈ acids,alkylpolyethercarboxylic acids, alkylsulphonic acids, arylsulphonicacids, alkylarylsulphonic acids, alkylsulphuric acids,alkylpolyethersulphuric acids, phosphoric acid mono alkyl/aryl estersand phosphoric acid dialkyl/aryl esters.

Additional Components

The aqueous base composition of the present invention may include otheradditional components, which may be selected by the artisan according tothe desired characteristics of the final product and which are suitablefor rendering the composition more cosmetically or aestheticallyacceptable or to provide them with additional usage benefits. Such otheradditional components generally are used individually at levels of fromabout 0.001% to about 10%, preferably up to about 5% by weight of thecomposition.

A wide variety of other additional components can be formulated into thepresent compositions. These include: other conditioning agents such ashydrolysed collagen with tradename Peptein 2000 available from Hormel,vitamin E with tradename Emix-d available from Eisai, panthenolavailable from Roche, panthenyl ethyl ether available from Roche,hydrolysed keratin, proteins, plant extracts, and nutrients;preservatives such as benzyl alcohol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben andimidazolidinyl urea; pH adjusting agents, such as citric acid, sodiumcitrate, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodiumcarbonate; coloring agents, such as any of the FD&C or D&C dyes;perfumes; ultraviolet and infrared screening and absorbing agents suchas benzophenones; and antidandruff agents such as zinc pyrithione.

Method of Preparation of Product Compositions

The product composition of the present invention is prepared by belowMETHOD A or METHOD B.

Method A

The product composition of the present invention is prepared by thefollowing method (hereinafter METHOD A) comprising the steps of:

Preparing a mixture composition comprising a surfactant and a highmelting point fatty compound; Separately preparing an aqueous basecomposition comprising an aqueous carrier and a water soluble polymer,wherein the base composition is substantially free of a detersivesurfactant selected from anionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactant,amphoteric surfactant, and combinations thereof;Mixing the mixture composition and the aqueous base composition, to forma discrete particle of the mixture composition dispersed in the aqueousbase composition.

Preferably, when mixed, the mixture composition and the aqueous basecomposition respectively have a temperature lower than the melting pointof the high melting point fatty compound.

Preferably, when mixed, the mixture composition has a temperature lowerthan the melting point of the high melting point fatty compoundcontained in the mixture composition, and the mixture composition hassuch temperature during and after mixing with the aqueous basecomposition. Also preferably, the aqueous base composition also has atemperature lower than the melting point of the high melting point fattycompound contained in the mixture composition when mixed with themixture composition, and has such temperature during and after mixingwith the mixture composition.

Thus, when mixed, the mixture composition and the aqueous basecomposition respectively have a temperature of preferably at least 2° C.lower, more preferably at least 5° C. lower, still more preferably atleast 10° C. lower, even more preferably at least 15° C. lower than theabove melting point of the high melting point fatty compound.

It is also preferred that, when mixed, the mixture composition and theaqueous base composition respectively have a temperature of from about0° C. to about 50° C., more preferably from about 10° C. to about 40°C., still more preferably from about 15° C. to about 35° C.

Method B

Alternatively, the product composition of the present invention isprepared by the following method (hereinafter METHOD B) comprising thesteps of:

Preparing a discrete particle of a mixture composition wherein themixture composition comprises a surfactant and a high melting pointfatty compound;

Separately preparing an aqueous base composition comprising an aqueouscarrier and a water soluble polymer, wherein the base composition issubstantially free of a detersive surfactant selected from anionicsurfactants, zwitterionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, andcombinations thereof;Mixing the discrete particle and the aqueous base composition, todisperse discrete particle in the aqueous base composition.

In this METHOD B, the discrete particle may be preferably solid.

In METHOD B, a solvent or carrier may be used to prepare discreteparticle of the mixture composition. Such solvents and carriers areconsidered as components of the aqueous base composition whencalculating the amounts of components.

Preferably, when mixed, the discrete particle and the aqueous basecomposition respectively have a temperature lower than the melting pointof the high melting point fatty compound.

Preferably, when mixed, the discrete particle has a temperature lowerthan the melting point of the high melting point fatty compoundcontained in the discrete particle, and the discrete particle has suchtemperature during and after mixing with the aqueous base composition.Also preferably, the aqueous base composition also has a temperaturelower than the melting point of the high melting point fatty compoundcontained in the discrete particle when mixed with the discreteparticle, and has such temperature during and after mixing with thediscrete particle.

Thus, when mixed, the discrete particle and the aqueous base compositionrespectively have a temperature of preferably at least 2° C. lower, morepreferably at least 5° C. lower, still more preferably at least 10° C.lower, even more preferably at least 15° C. lower than the above meltingpoint of the high melting point fatty compound.

It is also preferred that, when mixed, the discrete particle and theaqueous base composition respectively have a temperature of from about0° C. to about 50° C., more preferably from about 10° C. to about 40°C., still more preferably from about 15° C. to about 35° C.

Preparation of the Mixture Composition

Both in METHOD A and B, preferably, the mixture composition is preparedby steps of: preparing a melting mixture composition comprising thesurfactant and the high melting point fatty compound, wherein thetemperature of the melting mixture composition is higher than themelting point of the high melting point fatty compound contained in themixture composition; cooling the melting mixture composition to atemperature which is lower than the melting point of the high meltingpoint fatty compound contained in the mixture composition, to form themixture composition. In METHOD B, the discrete particle can be preparedconcurrently when preparing the mixture composition during the abovecooling step, or can be prepared after forming the mixture composition.

Preferably, the temperature of the melting mixture composition is atleast 2° C., still more preferably at least 5° C., even more preferablyat least 10° C. higher than the above melting point of the high meltingpoint fatty compound. It is also preferred that the temperature of themelting mixture composition is from about 30° C. to about 150° C., morepreferably from about 40° C. to about 100° C., still more preferablyfrom about 50° C. to about 95° C., even more preferably from about 55°C. to about 90° C., further more preferably from about 66° C. to about90° C.

Preferably, the melting mixture composition is cooled to a temperaturewhich is lower than a melting point of the high melting point fattycompound contained in the mixture composition, more preferably at least2° C., more preferably at least 5° C., still more preferably at least10° C. lower than the melting point of the high melting point fattycompound contained in the mixture composition. It is also preferred thatthe melting mixture composition is cooled to a temperature of from about−200° C. to about 50° C., more preferably from about −40° C. to about50° C., still more preferably from about 0° C. to about 30° C.

When Containing the Benefit Agents in the Mixture Composition

When the mixture composition further comprises the benefit agents, themixture composition can be prepared by steps of:

Preparing a melting mixture composition comprising the surfactant andthe high melting point fatty compound, wherein the temperature of themelting mixture composition is higher than a melting point of the highmelting point fatty compound contained in the mixture composition;cooling the melting mixture composition to the temperature which islower than a melting point of the high melting point fatty compoundcontained in the mixture composition, to form the mixture composition,wherein the benefit agent can be added anytime depending on theproperties of the benefit agent, for example, the benefit agent can beadded to the mixture composition before cooling, during coolingespecially when using volatile benefit agent such as perfumes, or aftercooling preferably right after cooling such as within 30 min aftercooling.

When the mixture composition comprises a benefit agent, the benefitagent can be homogeneously mixed with the mixture composition, andhomogeneous discrete particles can be formed in the compositions.

Alternatively, in the discrete particle, the benefit agent can form aninner core covered by an outer shell formed by the mixture composition.

When Containing the Benefit Agent in the Aqueous Base Composition

When the aqueous base composition comprises a benefit agent, the benefitagent can be homogeneously mixed with the aqueous base composition.

When the aqueous base composition comprises a benefit agent, the benefitagent can be added to the aqueous base composition anytime, for example,before adding the mixture composition and/or the discrete particle,after adding the mixture composition and/or the discrete particle,and/or concurrently with the discrete particle.

EXAMPLES

The following examples further describe and demonstrate embodimentswithin the scope of the present invention. The examples are given solelyfor the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed aslimitations of the present invention, as many variations thereof arepossible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Where applicable, ingredients are identified by chemical or CTFA name,or otherwise defined below.

Product Compositions—R

Wt % in the product composition CEx. R-i CEx. R-ii Ex. R-1 Ex. R-2Aqueous BTMS/IPA *1 3.0 — — — base Cetyl Alcohol 1.0 — — — compositionStearyl alcohol 2.5 — — — Disodium EDTA 0.13 — — — Benzyl Alcohol 0.4 —— — Kathon CG 0.03 — — — Water soluble polymer-1*2 — — 1.5  Watersoluble polymer-2 *3 — —  0.4 Water q.s. to q.s. to q.s. to q.s. to 100%100% 100% 100% Mixture Mixture composition having 0 6.86 6.86 12.5composition the following composition Wt % in the mixture compositionBTMS/IPA *1 45.6 Cetyl Alcohol 15.5 Stearyl alcohol 38.9 Particle sizeof Discrete particle, before n/a 1 mm 1 mm 10 mm mixing with the aqueousbase composition Discrete particle n/a Discrete Swollen Discreteparticles of particles of the mixture the mixture composition arecomposition dispersed in the aqueous are diffused base composition andand observed in the product collapsing in composition by the aqueousmicroscope for at least base 12 months in Ex. R-1 composition and for atleast 3 months and NOT in Ex. R-2. The swollen observed in discreteparticles do not the product show maltese cross composition whenmeasured by by polarized microscope. microscope The swollen discretewithin 1 week particles are not water- in-oil or water-in-oil- in-wateremulsion. Storage modulus (G′, Pa) 2766 (at 6668 (at 2914 (at 2159 (at18 months) 3 months) 6 months) 3 months)

Product Compositions—S

Wt % in the product composition Ex. S-1 Benzyl Alcohol 0.4 Kathon CG0.03 Water soluble polymer-1 *2 1.5 Aminosilicone emulsion*4 20 Waterq.s. to 100% Mixture Mixture composition having 8.86 composition thefollowing composition Wt % in the mixture composition BTMS/IPA *1 42.4Cetyl Alcohol 14.4 Stearyl alcohol 36.1 Water 1.1 Polysorbate20 1.1Benzyl alcohol 0.4 Perfume 4.5 Particle size of Discrete particle,before mixing 0.9 cm with the aqueous base composition Discrete particleSwollen Discrete particles of the mixture composition are dispersed inthe aqueous base composition and observed in the product composition bymicroscope for at least 8 months. The swollen discrete particles do notshow maltese cross when measured by polarized microscope. The swollendiscrete particles are not water-in-oil or water-in-oil-in-wateremulsion.

Definitions of Components

*1 BTMS/IPA: 80% of Behenyl Trimethyl Ammonium Methosulfate and 20% ofIsopropyl alcohol* 2 Water soluble polymer-1: ADEKA NOL GT-730 supplied from Adeka (30%of PEG-240/HDI COPOLYMER BIS-DECYLTETRADECETH-20 ETHER, 50% of butyleneglycol, and 20% of water)*3 Water soluble polymer-2: Polyquaternium-37*4 Aminosilicone emulsion: BELSIL ADM 8301 E supplied from Wacker, whichis a nonionic microemulsion of an aminofunctional polydimethylsiloxane.

Method of Preparation of the Product Composition

The embodiments disclosed and represented by “Ex.” are hair conditioningproduct compositions made by the method of the present invention, andwere prepared by Method B explained above, and the following in moredetail:

Preparing the mixture composition comprising the surfactant and the highmelting point fatty compound, wherein the mixture composition wasprepared by the following method:

Preparing a melting mixture composition wherein the temperature of themelting mixture composition is higher than a melting point of the highmelting point fatty compound contained in the mixture composition, i.e.,from about 66° C. to about 90° C.;

Cooling the melting mixture composition to a temperature which is lowerthan a melting point of the high melting point fatty compound containedin the mixture composition, i.e., from about 0° C. to about 40° C., toform the mixture composition.

Preparing a solid discrete particle consisting of the mixturecomposition; Separately preparing an aqueous base composition;

Mixing the discrete particle and the aqueous base composition, bothhaving a temperature lower than a melting point of the high meltingpoint fatty compound contained in the mixture composition, i.e., fromabout 10° C. to about 40° C., so that the discrete particle is dispersedin the aqueous base composition.

Discrete Particles are Swollen in the Product Composition.

The hair conditioner product compositions disclosed and represented by“CEx.” are comparative examples, and were prepared by either the aboveMETHOD B when the compositions contain discrete particles or aconventional method when the compositions do not contain discreteparticles.

Properties and Conditioning Benefits

For some of the above compositions, properties and conditioning benefitsare evaluated by the following methods. Results of the evaluation arealso shown above.

The embodiments disclosed and represented by “Ex.” are hair conditioningproduct compositions made by the method of the present invention whichare particularly useful for rinse-off use. Such embodiments have manyadvantages. For example, the product composition made by the method ofthe present invention provides at least one the followings: moreflexibility in the product composition rheology; improved stability inthe product composition; and improved deposition of benefit agents whenincluding benefit agents; and improved visual/aesthetic appearance. Someof such benefits may be understood by the comparison with comparativeexamples “CEx.”.

For example, improved flexibility in the product composition rheologycan be understood by the comparison between the example “Ex. R-1” and acomparative example “CEx.R-i”. Even when using the almost same amount ofactives such as surfactants and high melting point fatty compounds inthe product compositions, the product compositions of the presentinvention can provide varied product composition rheology especiallystorage modulus (G′)., Also, the examples of the present invention mayprovide aesthetic benefit from the product appearance that “the discreteparticle dispersed in transparent/translucent the aqueous basecomposition”, compared to the comparative example “CEx. R-ii” whereinthe discrete particles are diffused and collapsing.

Storage Modulus (G′) Measurement

The storage modulus of the present invention is measured by dynamicoscillation stress sweep at 1 Hz frequency and 25° C., by means of arheometer available from TA Instruments with a mode name of AR2000 using40 mm diameter parallel type geometry having gap of 1000 μm.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of preparing a product compositioncomprising steps of: Preparing a mixture composition comprising asurfactant and a high melting point fatty compound; Separately preparingan aqueous base composition comprising an aqueous carrier and a watersoluble polymer, wherein the base composition is substantially free of adetersive surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, zwitterionicsurfactant, amphoteric surfactant, and combinations thereof; Mixing themixture composition and the aqueous base composition, to form a discreteparticle of the mixture composition dispersed in the aqueous basecomposition.
 2. A method of preparing a product composition comprisingsteps of: Preparing a discrete particle of a mixture compositioncomprising a surfactant and a high melting point fatty compound;Separately preparing an aqueous base composition comprising an aqueouscarrier and a water soluble polymer, wherein the base composition issubstantially free of a detersive surfactant selected from anionicsurfactants, zwitterionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, andcombinations thereof; Mixing the discrete particle and the aqueous basecomposition, to disperse the discrete particle in the aqueous basecomposition.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein mixing the mixturecomposition and the aqueous base composition, both at a temperaturelower than the melting point of the high melting point fatty compoundcontained in the mixture compound.
 4. The method of claim 2, whereinmixing the discrete particle and the aqueous base composition, both at atemperature lower than the melting point of the high melting point fattycompound contained in the discrete particle.
 5. The method of any of thepreceding claims, wherein the mixture composition is prepared by stepsof: preparing a melting mixture composition comprising the surfactantand the high melting point fatty compound, wherein the temperature ofthe melting mixture composition is higher than a melting point of thehigh melting point fatty compound contained in the mixture composition;cooling the melting mixture composition to the temperature which islower than a melting point of the high melting point fatty compoundcontained in the mixture composition, to form the mixture composition.6. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the water solublepolymer is selected from the group consisting of: a cationic watersoluble polymer, a nonionic water soluble polymer, and mixtures thereof.7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the water solublepolymer has an average molecular weight of from about 5,000 g/mol toabout 50,000,000 g/mol.
 8. The method of any of the preceding claims,wherein the aqueous base composition has a viscosity of from about 100centipoise to about 10,000,000 centipoise.
 9. The method of any of thepreceding claims, wherein the discrete particle does not have maltesecross.
 10. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein thediscrete particles are not coated or encapsulated.
 11. The method of anyof the preceding claims, wherein the discrete particle exists in thecomposition for 1 month or longer, preferably 3 months or longer, morepreferably 6 months or longer, still more preferably 12 months orlonger.
 12. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein thediscrete particle is swollen in the product composition.
 13. The methodof any of the preceding claims, wherein the discrete particle is not anoil-in-water emulsion or water-in-oil-in-water emulsion.
 14. The methodof any of the preceding claims, wherein the discrete particle beforeswelling is solid.
 15. The method of any of the preceding claims,wherein the discrete particle before swelling contains less than about50% of water, more preferably less than about 25%, still more preferablyless than about 15%, by weight of the discrete particle.
 16. The methodof any of the preceding claims, wherein the discrete particle beforeswelling comprises from about 10% to about 100%, more preferably fromabout 20% to about 100%, still more preferably from about 40% to about100% of the surfactants and the high melting point fatty compounds, byweight of the discrete particle.
 17. The method of any of the precedingclaims, wherein the surfactant contained in the discrete particle ishydrophobic.
 18. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein thesurfactant contained in the discrete particle is selected from the groupconsisting of: a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, andmixtures thereof, more preferably wherein the surfactant contained inthe discrete particle is a cationic surfactant.
 19. The method of any ofthe preceding claims, wherein the product composition is selected fromthe group consisting of a hair care composition, a body carecomposition, a facial skin care composition, and mixtures thereof,preferably wherein the product composition is a hair care composition.20. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the aqueous basecomposition further comprises a benefit agent other than the surfactantand the high melting point fatty compound and the aqueous carrier. 21.The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the benefit agent isselected from the group consisting of silicone compounds, perfumes,incompatible agents which are incompatible to at least one ingredientcontained in the discrete particle, and mixtures thereof.